Who is to blame when love fails?

Statistics never lie, but lovers often do. The sad truth has unsettled many love stories into complete
oblivion. Most of the time, people choose to escape when things get uneasy. Nearly everyones
ultimate back up plan is to run and running away from love is a desperate measure whenever
everything becomes vague.
As clich it may seem, sometimes, running away is the simplest breakout. And everyone wanted the
easy way out.

They dont understand. Im the monster not you. Im the beast but theyre blaming you. Im sorry.
Youngjae whispers before placing a soft kiss on a sleeping figure maybe its the last.
Youngjae has been travelling for almost three years, taking every opportunity to apply for internship
and volunteer work outside Seoul and its ought to be nowhere near Seoul. Two more years and he
will be able to graduate and subsequently be a doctor and soon hell legally and officially leave the
country and maybe completely depart from his memories. And for these two more years, he likes to
keep his life as peaceful as possible without any distraction and especially without looking back into
the past. Until his heart fully heals or until he forgives himself; hell remain quite, hell stay as
focused as possible. He is keeping himself apart from his friends, not wanting to look into the past,
only into the future.
Is it the right time? He always asks himself. Because he cant seem to let go of his memories but his
heart tells him otherwise. How long has it been since he was transferred here? Despite the
continuous protest from his family, and the nonstop mockery he bears for months, he refuses to
leave. Youngjae recalls the first time he sees him, because he was described as a monster scarred
face, visible burns, hoarse voice, bald hair; he is basically as horrible as a beast but Youngjae saw no
beast, saw no monster. What he saw was miserable, dead beat and grieving eyes, afraid of being
ridiculed by many.
And how long has he been in love with him?
A question Youngjae cannot seem to answer despite the rapid beat of his heart; despite the
countless times he have kissed him; because Youngjae has always been trapped and captured by the
past. No matter how he tries to escape and look only to the future, hes always been being dragged
to the past and is always haunted by a question, is it really okay for me to feel this way again?
Is it okay for him to love again?
He peeks one last time at the person peacefully lying on the bed they Youngjae fights the urge to let
the tears fall from his eyes. Youngjae doesnt deserve to be happy and he does and before he can
make him lost in Youngjaes world, Youngjae decides to let him go.
You will be happier when Im gone, right?
Thats the question that will continue to chase Youngjae as he makes his silent goodbye. Again.



Youngjae has been on the plane for a couple of hours when the man lying in bed wakes up. A visible
positive aura is evident. Sweet and perfect dream, the man dreamt of Youngjae who in his dream is a
prince. The prince is waiting in a castle waiting for someone who will rescue him. No plot, no deep story
just him dreaming of Youngjae and he wakes up with a smile on his face.
He slowly opens his eyes, excited to unravel whats in store for today. He expects Youngjae to still be
lying in the bed with him but his eyes flutter open, no one is with him. He thinks maybe Youngjae woke
up early and has gone to make some breakfast so he waits for a couple of minutes more before he gets
up from bed, he chooses to relive is dream.
The silence is deafening and somehow frightening. But he laughs it all off and continue to shake the
blurred images polluting his mind.
Youngjae? He calls out but all he hears in response is his voice echoing in the room.
He steps out into the bedroom and slowly walks into the kitchen, Youngjae? He murmurs. His steps
are unhurried, just one by one, slowly. He arrives at the living room, Youngjae?
And then his steps are in a rush, frantically opening every door in the house and he calls him over and
over again.
Youngjae, Youngjae, Youngjae
But no response is heard.


Youngjae.


Everyone thinks that being a prince is all glitz and glamour, gold instead of silver but it isnt and Daehyun
has over a hundred, no cross that out, over thousands of reasons why being a prince undoubtedly sucks
big time.
One of the reasons and maybe the sole core of all the other reasons that lead to his current predicament
is the fact that every King needs a Queen. He needs to find a princess he should marry the new
addition to the Royal family.
It should be easy, thousands of young women in their Kingdom will surely want to line up to be next
member of the royal family. Daehyun bets his life that if they announce that the Royal family is looking
for an addition to their royalty, most of the people will certainly audition for the job. Not only because
being part of the Royal family will secure the future of anyone but every citizen of the Kingdom of Jinuel
adores the prince. Daehyun is a royalty, yes, but because of his looks, he is admired. Also, there are a lot
of real life princesses out there specially on islands near Europe, finding a fiance should be easy as one
two three.
But it isnt trouble-free.
The last quarter of 2014 was a tough time for the Jung family when the King experienced his first heart
attack. It triggers the idea that he should be soon passing the crown.
It leads the King and Queen to force Daehyun to soon marry because the crowned prince needs to be a
King.
And Jung Daehyun, the sole crowned prince of the Kingdom of Jineul blames it on Walt Disney. He
thinks his life could have been so much easier if Disney didnt write fairytales or started the childrens
books because if fairytales didnt exist then his father would have agreed on the arranged marriage
with a princess of Gods knows what kingdom on the deepest part of Europe. And Daehyun wouldnt
have any problem finding a girl he should be marrying.

He hates Walt Disney because of implanting ideas to people that love conquers all and that fairytales
exist.
He hates Walt Disney because true loves kiss isnt real. Its a make believe reality.
Everyone will probably think he's weird yet he most certainly isn't. In reality, people will seek true
love, will fight for true love, will even break the law and ruin family relationships for true love but in
Daehyuns case, which certainly is a reality too, he doesnt have time to search for true love, heck he
doesnt even believe in true loves kiss. He wants an arranged marriage. Marry, have sex, then kids.
Perfect.
But his father, the King, believes in the magical powers of love which Daehyun thinks is a little childish
but he doesnt voice it out or else, he doesnt even want to think about if he says everything out loud
the risk of being beheaded is high. His father who has loved his mother for all his life wanted a
similar fate for Daehyun.
Your true love is waiting for you, my son.
Its irritating. Really. There is no true love.
So today, the 15
th
day of January, year 2015, Daehyun finds himself on the outskirt of their kingdom
with a backpack. He is sent out for a quest by his own father. Who would have expected a King to just
throw away his son outside their kingdom? Only Daehyuns father.
Daehyun thinks about the positive sides about all of the things that recently and most certainly
abruptly transpired. One advantage of having thrown out of the Kingdom is that you can finally be
able to see the world outside of the castle. Dont get him wrong, Daehyun owns the latest gadgets
and designer clothes and has social media accounts too. Their Kingdom isnt that kind that stays on
the 18
th
century and lingers on the old side, but they evolve too. He visited a couple of countries
during summer and winter vacations but he really doesnt know how to live without the four walls of
his kingdom, who is he kidding? He doesnt know how to function without a butler to accompany him.
His cousin, Junhong, gave him an advice to just pick a random girl when he reached Seoul and it
seemed a decent plan because who wouldnt want to be a princess? But the King isnt just crowned a
King if he isnt wise. To make sure Daehyun really finds his true love, the son of the right hand man of
the King, Bang Yongguk, was assigned to be Daehyuns sort of guard.
They were friends when they were little but Yongguk was sent to Seoul to study and only came back a
year ago.
He sighs, depressingly, so depressed he sense the birds and the wildlife mourning with him.
Yongguk is certainly not a butler material. And it means, he cannot order him around, he silently
curses because his father is monster.
They had been on an eight hour boat ride because the King refuses to allow Daehyun to use their
private jet. How sweet of his father and did Daehyun mention that his father cancelled all his credit
cards and has given them an inadequate amount of money?
How sweet Daehyuns father is? Very much.
It's only really his second time in Seoul, the first was when he was thirteen and his father had brought
him to Lotte World. He loved Seoul but preferred to visit other countries, and looking back at the days,
Seoul did change a lot.
Its really different from Jinuel. Daehyun offers a conversation because after the tiring boat ride, they
began walking. Daehyun has the urge to ask a lot of questions and to whine about how he couldnt feel
his feet anymore and how long will they be walking.
Yes.
Daehyun waits for more but Yongguk isnt adding anything.
A long stretch of silence has passed and Daehyun is tired as hell.
Are you tired young master? Yongguk suddenly asks. And Daehyun wants to kiss all the saints because
finally theyre going to rest and maybe eat something too.
Stop calling me young master. Daehyun orders. Daehyun is fine.
Yongguk hesitates for a few seconds but nonetheless follows the order. Ok, Daehyun.
Daehyun offers a genuine smile and hes beginning to loosen up and starting to halt his steps because
finally theyre taking a break. He now considers Yongguk as his friend, he mentally notes that once he
comes back to Jinuel, hell ask his father to make Yongguk his right hand man. Yongguk knows how to
take care of him and hes very considerate and.
Were near, just 2 kilometers I think so probably we can rest by then.
Daehyuns jaw drops because to hell with being friends.
It takes them an hour more before they reached a 5 storey building covered in simple white paint.
Yongguk has said they reached their destination and Daehyun can feel his body wanting to jump down
on the comfort of the mattress. Everything hurts. He is beyond exhausted.
The room is way ordinary for Daehyuns interest. He expected a large loft just like what he stayed at
during his visit in Japan. But to his surprise, or rather horror, he sees a space smaller than his bedroom,
even smaller than his balcony. Theres a flat screen television though, a sofa and a coffee table. The
kitchen is small too and theres two rooms, Daehyun thinks one will be where he will be sleeping but
everything is plain and simple and well, not very expensive.
You live here? Daehyun asks, horrified because Yongguk is a generals son and he should have been
living in a condominium or something, not this small space.
Yes. Yongguk answers and starts to unpack his things.
Daehyun just stands awkwardly at the corner and waits for Yongguks instructions. He sees the couch
and his body wants to jump and settle on it. Hes tired and he needs to sleep.


But tonight, instead of a room with a spacious living room area, and a 50-meter walk in closet and a bed
whose sheets and pillows are bought from Europe, Daehyun gets the sofa.
"Are you serious? He asks no one in particular and that caught Youngjaes attention as he suddenly
stops making the soup.
Is there a problem?
Im not sleeping on a sofa. Sometimes, Daehyun needs to shut his mouth.
Okay. Youngjae tells him. Then sleep outside.
Its okay Jae, I can switch place with him.
But hyung.
Yongguk ruffles Youngjaes hair and the latter didnt protest any longer but it doesnt stop him from
throwing daggers at Daehyun. Daehyun wonders if Yongguk and Youngjae is a thing. Is that why
Yongguk rarely visits Jineul?
Daehyun feels a little jealous, just a little bit because he wonders how he can find his true love. Can he
just fake it?
(knocks out Youngjaes favorite mug)

Yongguk leaves Daehyun in Youngjaes care.
Hes the best. Yongguk says. And Daehyun just stares at him, desparately searching for a hint of
mockery in Yongguks face and to Daehyuns horror, he didnt find any.
Are you serious hyung? Daehyun asks not wanting to really know the answer, its scary. Youngjae, the
best? Thats the biggest lie. Thats a fucking lie!
Yongguk offers the simplest curve of his lips and Daehyun considers it a sly smile.

Im here to find my true love. Daehyun argues
Youngjae shots him an are you serious look and Daehyun responds with an Im serious face.
That does it, Youngjae burst out laughing, body rolling on the floor. Daehyun is flustered.
What are you, 3? Youngjae comments in between laughs.
Im serious.
You dont find love. Youngjae starts. Love will find you.



Youngjae narrows his eyes, a little bit suspicious. What are you doing?
Daehyun listens until he hears the shower starts. Yongguk went out early this morning and has left him
with only a note. Youngjae had said that Yongguk only told him he needed to take care of some business
and it meant only him and Daehyun on the house.
Youngjae takes a long time in the shower, more than an hour; its not that Daehyun has timed it. Nope,
he didnt. It is beginning to worry Daehyun, he isnt supposed to be because why should he worry about
his enemy? But Youngjae isnt coming out of the shower.
Daehyun is about to unlock the door when it suddenly opens. Daehyun gulps as he comes face to face
with Youngjae. Hes wearing a white bathrobe that looks big on him and his left shoulder is showing. He
smells like strawberries and it is intoxicating. Daehyun reminds himself not to stare but he cant help it,
he notices Youngjaes hair color suits him really well even his hair is all wet and Daehyun notices
Youngjaes cheeks, fluffy and red and his eyes are dark and kind of puffy.
He waits for a scowl or a tease but none came as Youngjae walks away from him as if he didnt see
Daehyun and it is weird.

Okay so Daehyun decides that he needs to find his true love as soon as possible not that he is eager to
marry her or him but the idea of living with a monster for a couple of more weeks scare the cap out of
him, he doesn't want to be in Youngjaes care anymore, he mentally notes that once he gets back to his
kingdom, dumb Youngjae will suffer his wrath, he can never truly punish Yongguk but he'll take some
too because he suddenly left Daehyun (with no money) in Youngjaes care.

Youngjae swears he'll kill Bang Yongguk for making his life into a mess, taking care of little kids is better
than being near Jung Daehyun. He doesn't care if that Daehyun is a prince,

"So, what are you studying?"

Daehyun asks choosing to seat beside Youngjae on the sofa. This is the first they have been so close with
each other and it should be awkward but it wasnt because theyre fighting again.

Not that it matters to you.

Yah! Yoo Youngjae, im being nice here. Try to act like youre nice too.

Youngjae rolls his eyes and closes his book.

What he says.

Im curious, what are you studying?

Anatomy.

I need to be a doctor because the pay is high.



What do you actually do, as a prince? Youngjae asks over dinner. Do you even know how to eat like
street foods and stuff.

I have never eaten a ramen or a kimchi



"Yoo Youngjae"

"Yoo Youngjae"

"Yoo Youngjae"

It has been a lot of Yoo Youngjae and Yoo Youngjae swears if he hears another Yoo Youngjae he'll snap.

"Youngjae

"Youngjae

Yoo Youngjae?


"What the actual fuck. Youngjae hisses. Can you fucking shut up." Youngjae furiously snarls.

He is tired of hearing his name and Jung Daehyun should stop. He breathes in and out a couple of times
and when he calms down he realizes more than 30 pairs of eyes are on him. What really the actual fuck
because it abruptly sinks down and his eyes widen in horror.

A man clears his throat and sternly lets out a soft, "Mr. Yoo"

Youngjae gulps.

"See you in the office after class"

Blood drains from Youngjaes face because the reality is harsh as the fact remains that Youngjae cursed
his professor. Fuck his life, really.


Daehyun is awaken by _______________
Rise and shine, your highness," Youngjae says, and Daehyun cant point out if the person is in front of
him is greeting him nicely or evilly, well, hes going to find out in three two one
Get up and work!
Definitely evil.
How long has it been since Daehyun is stuck with his current predicament? It feels like a year. He knows,
Youngjae is totally enjoying everything, from ordering him around. "You need to work or else you need
to leave.
Ugh. Daehyun groans.

He blames everything on his father and this true love thingy.
"Im so tired, Youngjae,"
I dont care, you need to work.

Daehyun sits up, while throwing daggers on the retreating figure of the man who ruins his morning, his
every morning since he has been to Seoul.
He blames it on Bang Yongguk too. How could he abandon him in a blink of an eye? His father will know
this once he comes back to the kingdom. Im still a prince, Daehyun thinks.
"I swear once I return to the Kingdom, Ill ask my father to make your life miserable," he threatens.
Go ahead and try. Youngjae deadpans.
Ugh, Daehyun groans, again but he stands up to take a shower and soon hes leaving with Youngjae.



Youngjae laughs, eyes forming crescent moons, dimples showing. I cant believe Im saying this. But
thank you, Jung Daehyun, your highness. I could kiss you." He doesnt, of course.
With that Youngjae slowly leaves and Daehyun is left in the living room staring at the retreating figure of
Youngjae, his mind only accepting one thought, the image of the smiling man kissing him, and Daehyun
wonders what it would feel like.
The image stays with him the whole night.
The image is still on his mind. Its terrifyingly beautiful.

Its one of the rare times Daehyun has a day off, not that hes complaining. Having a day off means he
can go out and visit different places in Seoul, maybe hell find his one true love but Daehyun, though
only sleeping for three hours, has his eyes widely open. He doesnt go out of his room though. He
doesnt want to, not when all night until now, his mind is occupied with images of Youngjae - of
Youngjae close to him, of Youngjae near him, of Youngjaes lips on his own.


If working nonstop would mean my family in Busan will be happy, will have food on their plates, then I
will work without any stop.
You dont get it Daehyun. You can have all the luxuries you want.
Its not my fault Im born rich
Its not my fault Im born like this too.
And everything is quiet. Youngjae didnt even say a word and just leaves and Daehyun swears he saw
something in Youngjaes eyes.
Daehyun wakes up peacefully for the first time, there were no door banging or pillow throwing or even
screams or shouts. When he checks the time, its 11 am and he panics because he is late and Youngjae
will scold him. He rushes out of the room and heads straight to the bathroom but stops on his way
when his eyes darted on a note hanging on the fridge.
You dont need to come to work. I already called the shop. Theres food on the table. The money you
earned at the shop is on the table


Daehyun still appears at the shop and he sees Youngjae standing in front of the cashier and Daehyun
thinks Youngjae should be studying. He attempts to go inside and demands that he wants the job back,
he doesnt know why though, he should be celebrating because hes free now and he wont be working
anymore but his heart feels heavy.

Daehyun stays outside just watching Youngjae from afar. The guilt is eating him alive and he miss
working at the shop too.
After an hour or so, Youngjae bids goodbye to Baekhyun, his shift ended, Daehyun tries to hide himself,
not wanting to be seen by younger man. Youngjae is most likely heading straight to the supermarket, his
next job will start in 15 minutes. Did Youngjae even eat his lunch? Its definitely bugging Daehyun.
No, he didnt. Hell probably wont
Daehyun almost fell from his seat startled by the sudden voice. He didnt notice he thought out aloud.
Baekhyun is there smiling at him, handing him a paper bag. Youngjaes lunch, give it to him.
I dont think I can. Daehyun admits. He doesnt want to see me. He concludes.
Baekhyun is still smiling and manages to lightly tap Daehyuns right shoulder. Oh I see he says with a
wide grin.
Lovers quarrel?
Daehyun suddenly feels his cheeks heating up, and he starts stammering, What? Lovers? Haha, no, we
arent like that. Haha. I hate Youngjae. Youngja hates me. Were enemies.
Okay, okay Dae, calm down. I get it But the teasing smirk isnt leaving Baekhyuns lips.Just give it to
him, he needs to eat, okay.
Daehyun wants to protest but Baekhyun is already walking inside the coffee shop. He gathers all his
courage and starts to leave.
If it can make your heart feel at ease. He hears Baekhyuns voice so he turns around, Youngjae isnt
angry at you.
Daehyun frowns and shakes his head not wanting to believe what he just heard.
Trust me. I know. Hes worried about you.
And suddenly Daehyun feels sick and he feels light headed.
And I know you do too.






It happens.

Just like in the stories, the same scenes in the movies, the same description in novels, everything is
surreal.

Daehyun knows he found the one.

It's really funny. How easily he finds the one. Its crazy.

The King will be in tears because Daehyun is sure hes in love.


It happens abruptly but Daehyun is walking towards the guy who is currently chatting with Youngjae.

Yongguk suddenly appears on the door, Youngjaes jaws hangs open and the guy is totally confused as
Daehyun smiles and reaches out for the guys hand.

Will you marry me?






I cant marry a guy I just met. The guy whos name is Himchan announces on the
Is this what you want? He says, eyes focused on a silent Yongguk but Yongguk doesnt answer.
Bang Yongguk. He says.
Hes a prince.
I dont care.
He wants to marry you.


Is this really the feeling of being in love? Daehyun asks, his hands on his chest as he asks Youngjae.
So Himchan is your friend too? What does he do? What are his favorite foods? Do you think hell say
yes? I hope he says yes. He needs to say yes. Oh my god Youngjae, he needs to say yes. Daehyun is
blabbering and panicking.
Youngjae shrugs.
Help me here Youngjae. What should I do if he says no?
Are you sure you love him? Youngjae suddenly asks.
yes.
How sure are you?
I just know, okay. Why, what is it to you? Daehyun asks suspiciously. Are you in love with me?
Daehyun is anticipating the answer, he doesnt know why. Youngjae seems a little taken aback but sighs
heavily.
The question you should be asking is not the one concerning me, but concerning Himchan hyung.
What do you mean?
If Himchan is in love with someone else, what will you do?
And then Daehyun realizes, what if Himchan really is in love with someone? What will he do? Does that
mean he needs to find his love again? But hes sure he it was love at first and when you love a person,
you cant love another one. Its confusing and frightening. Daehyun is cut from his trance when
Youngjae lets out a confession.
And for the record, Youngjae says, Im not in love with you.
And Daehyun doesnt understand why the last sentence kind of stings and bothers him more than
knowing the fact that Himchan might be in love with someone else. Its weird.

Yah, Yoo Youngjae! Daehyun starts to protest but is cut short when Youngjaes room door suddenly
opens.


Yes, Ill marry you. Himchan announces.
Youngjae drops the limited edition mug he just bought with his 2 month salary.



Lets get married as soon as possible.





He is so cute! I love him already.
The King squeals in joy and everyone on the room are surprised. Sometimes, Daehyun thinks, his father
doesnt really act like a King.
The King continues to shower Youngjae with compliments and the latter is left with a baffled expression.
Youre better looking up front.
The king fanboys and coos and Youngjae kinds of signals to Yongguk that he needs help. And Daehyun
took notice of the moment.
Your highness Yongguk interrupts the Kings fan boying moment.
Yes, Yongguk?
He isnt Dae the princes fiance.
The moment the words escape from Yongguks mouth, one persons heart kind of hurts.
The King eyes Youngjae accusingly.
Im a friend. Youngjae explains.
Oh. The King is surprised and briefly apologizes. He is silent for a couple of minutes and he scratches
his head, he looks totally confused.
He gathers his thoughts and let go of his hold onto Youngjaes arm.
This is Himchan, dad. Daehyun says, Hes my fiance.
Okay, very well then. Nice to meet you Himchan.
Nice to meet you too.
You all must be tired, you should take your rest now. Ill be taking mine too.
Yongguk leads Youngjae to his room and 2 pairs of eyes never left their retreating figures.




Are you Daehyun hyungs fiance?
Im not. It comes out bitterly and it isnt intentional.
oh, but you sounded disappointed.
Im not Youngjae says defensively.
Im Junhong. Daehyun hyungs cousin.
Yoo Youngjae.
Nice to meet Youngjae.



Himchan and Daehyun along with three royal palace guards came back a little over dinner, Yongguk has
welcomed them back and lead them to the dining room. All are the Kings order.
Daehyun scanned the room, counting the figures already seated on the grand table. He can see his
father seating at the far end, he can see Mr. Bang on the right, Yongguk taking the seat beside his father.
Daehyun leads Himchan to a seat just beside him.
When they are all seated, Daehyun keeps on squirming on his seat and eyes furiously scanning the
doors.
Is there anything wrong, my son?
Huh?
uhm, none.
Where is Youngjae? Himchan suddenly asks.
It was Yongguk who answered, He went to the pier to meet Baekhyun.
Wow! Baek! Baek is here?
Hes my boss-err. Friend.
But does Youngjae know how to go to the pier? Is he accompanied by the guards? He might get lost.
Youngjae is clumsy, he might trip. Dad, have you asked some of the guards to
Daehyun. Yes, I asked some of the guards to accompany him. Hes also with Junhong.
Junhong? My cousin Junhong? But why?



Youngjae hyung Junhong says happily catching the attention of everyone in the market. He greets all
the people he passes by on his way to reach Youngjae.
Youre pretty popular here. Youngjae jokes.
Im pretty tall not to miss. So hyung, do you want to visit the falls? Please, please, please.
Sure. No.
He cant, he needs to help me.
I do?
Yes, for the wedding. He needs to.
Can I come too?
Of course.

Its funny how Daehyun forgets all about the wedding preparations and unconsciously skips the
planning. Its worrisome and it has been causing delay. Its hard finding Daehyun and when they do he
apologizes and promises to attend. Daehyun and HImchan havent seen each other for a week already.
Now, Daehyun is waiting for Himchan, walking slowly. But everything seemed so wrong; its like
Himchan isnt the right person.

3 weeks before the wedding, February 14, 2015



The Kingdom of Jinuel is in a festive mood. The streets are decorated with white and red flowers. Its
Valentines Day and the King, being known as a _______
Today, Daehyun is excited not because its Valentines Day but because Youngjae is coming back to
Jinuel. On Daehyuns opinion, Youngjae stayed at Seoul for too long. He wakes up early, feeling
refreshed and jolly. Hes on a festive mood too, greeting every person he passes by on the castle and
even humming songs.
The King is even surprised when Daehyun asks about his morning and most certainly flabbergasted
when his son made him coffee.
Why are you so happy?
The King asks. Is it because you prepared something for Himchan?
Daehyun furrows his eyebrows in confusion, Dont be silly father. He laughs a little, Youngjae will
be back today. He admits, not really realizing what he uttered.
Youre happy because Youngjae is coming back? The King speculates
Yes. Hes been in Seoul for too long.
Daehyun. The Kings voice is serious. Youre going to get married to Himchan.
I know father.
Youre not supposed to be thinking about Youngjae. Youngjae isnt your fiance. All is left unheard
because Daehyun is already rushing at the door after Yongguk announced that Youngjae already
arrived.


Youngjae isnt a good chef or a baker, he has proven it a couple of times. But he wanted to give
something special to his friends so he asked for Baekhyun and Kyungsoos friend.
Youngjae comes back with a surprise.

Youngjae hands a box of cupcakes to the King and the latter accepts it happily, already taking a bite of
the first one and demanding that all the cupcakes be given to him. He starts to order the guards to
seize all the cupcakes until the Kings eyes land on Daehyun and its the first time the King is terrified,
because Jung Daehyun is glaring at him, eyes in fire and almost killing him so he quickly adds an Im
joking after a couple of minutes.
He hands a box to Yongguk then to Himchan. He then calls Jongup. Daehyun is smiling the brightest
because hes the last one and being the last means the most special, right?
Youngjae then walks to him and gave a box. Thats yours. Youngjae says and abruptly leaves him.
Thats it? No I missed you Daehyun? And Daehyun internally gags because he didnt just think of that.
He laughs nervously which earns him a strange look from Yongguk, Himchan and Jongup. He tries to
cover his sort of embarrassment by making stupid comments These cupcakes arent even good, Yoo
Youngjae And Daehyun laughs again, feeling proud that once again teases Youngjae.
Youngjae just shrugs though, pretending he didnt hear Daehyuns comment.
Daehyun feels a strange tightening in his stomach. It hurts too much and his heart kind of hurts too.
He watches as Youngjae walks up to Junhong and gives him the last box who Daehyun concludes is the
biggest.
Aww, they look so cute. Himchan says because Youngjae is smiling brightly and Junhong is
devouring the cupcakes, trying to taste all the flavors. Daehyun looks at them intently and

Yongguk
And Daehyun is kind of irritated. They shouldnt have stated the obvious.

Hyung. Jongup nudges Daehyun Are they dating?

Dating? Youngjae and Junhong? Youngjae said he doesnt have time to date, right? He cant be dating
anyone because hes studying. Daehyun laughs, his unusual laugh. But hes shaking.

Dont be ridiculous, he replies. Jongup only nods in agreement.

Himchan suddenly coos because Junhong is enveloping Yongjae into a hug.

They arent dating. He says but left unheard by everyone as they began teasing the two. The Kings
eyes never left his son and he pities him. Its breaking his heart.

From the moment the King welcomed Daehyun back to the palace, he knows that Daehyun is in love
not with Himchan, perhaps everyone already knows except for Daehyun himself.
It is heartbreaking because Daehyun already found his true love but is to blind and nave to see and
understand.

2 weeks before the wedding


Visiting Seoul before he gets married isn't a bad suggestion coming from his childish cousin, Junhong.
His father thinks that its a nice opportunity to invite the ones he personally knows from Seoul to his
wedding.. Not that it matters, though, because he only made friends with five persons. And surely,
Yongguk already sent out the invitations to them.

Its not really the sole reason why Daehyun agreed to visit Seoul again. He's uncertain as to why
Yongguk, Himchan and Jongup came with the, because hes pretty sure he is the only one Junhong
invited. Wrong. Little did Daehyun know that he wasnt part of the plan, that Junhong disagreed about
him coming to visit Seoul, that it was Himchan who insisted Daehyun should come too.
He doesnt really need to know that.
So back to Daehyuns reason, he doesnt want to admit but not having Youngjaes presence near him
is truly saddening.
He's in front a familiar building and his excitement is overflowing.
Is this your house, Yongguk hyung? Junhong asks in amazement.
Its Youngjaes but I live here too.
I guess, hes not home.

Hes at Baekhyuns apartment.



Isnt he stunning? Baekhyun raises a question that seemed a general but his eyes are focused on
Daehyun.
Everyone is eyeing Yongjae and the latter covers his face with his hands.
We are going to a club. Baekhyun happily chirps, Im introducing Jae to my friends. He needs to
unwind.

Jung Daehyun! What do you think you're doing?" they hear Baekhyun's muffled shouts.

Why?
Yes, daehyun, why?
Just because, they cant see him. Daehyun says defensively, eyeing Yongguk, mentally telling him to
help him form a coherent explanation but the older doesnt even understand it.
They cant see him? Who?
Junhong, Jongup, and others. You too, youre not allowed to see him.
Baekhyun then laughs hysterically while trying to form logical words to express. He then gives the key
to YOngguk.
Soon, Youngjae is freed from the door.
Jung Daehyun! What the fuck is wrong with you?


A day before the wedding.








Youngjae
The aura of the classroom suddenly shifts from jolly to poignant. Youngjae
senses something isnt quit in place because the way Yongguks eyes are
noticeably darker and his hands are trembling. Youngjae remembers hes in
music class where there are about twenty seven students but suddenly, he
doesnt see them, doesnt sense them as if he and Youngguk are the only ones
in the room. His eyes are on Yongguks only but he doesnt want to listen to
what he wants to say next.
The wedding was cancelled.
It should have been a relief but it isnt because he knows theres something
hidden, far more than whats the outer meaning wants to imply.
There has been an accident.
Its scary how the words are jumping up and down from Yongguks mouth and
how its slowly eating Youngjaes brain.
Daehyun hes gone.
And everything is funny like how did Yongguk turn out to be comedian and can
crack jokes so Youngjae lets out a weary laugh but he can feel his body
trembling and in pain.
Jae Yongguk leans forward, wanting to reach Youngjae but doesnt add
anything, refuses to voice out words.
The silence lengthens as Youngjae stares back at him, eyes unreadable,
unsure. He looks intently as Yongguks eyes as if wanting those eyes to say
the truth and let Yongguks words turn into lies but they dont.



Daehyun first encounters Youngjae at the beach in the middle of the day, when
the sun is beating down relentlessly and the breeze only offers slight reprieve.
For the first time in a long while, Daehyun feels excited.

He asks, "It's a little hot for sweatpants, don't you think?"

Youngjae lifts his gaze from the book he's reading, gives Daehyun a once-over,
and says, "This is coming from the guy in combat boots."

"They're comfortable," says Daehyun. He wipes the sweat from his brow. "I
doubt that you can say the same right now."

Youngjae closes his book. His eyebrows quirk up, a little. "And I doubt that you
came over here to discuss proper beach attire."

The wind picks up for a moment. In the distance, the rollercoaster on the pier
enters its first drop. Over the sound of the riders screaming, Daehyun says,
"You're right."





On the following day, Daehyun walks up and says, "I see you've started a new
book."

"You're very persistent," says Youngjae. "I can't decide if it's irritating or
endearing."

"Irritating, probably," Daehyun tells him. He moves to sit a comfortable distance
away, careful to allow an arm-length of space and the opportunity to leave. "I
guess it all really depends on intent."

Youngjae hums, thoughtful, tentative, then asks, "So what's your intent?"

Daehyun leans back and maybe a bit closer, hardly noticeable by anyone but
himself in the way he can read the text on one of the book's pages and make
out the word deviation. He says, "I'd like to get to know you."

"I'm not interested," Youngjae says, just a little too automated, like a line and
scene too often rehearsed.

For a moment, Daehyun stays silent. Then he revises, "I'd like someone to talk
to."

Again, Youngjae makes a considering sound. He turns the page of his book,
and doesn't answer.